The first part of this research report presents the findings of a study of public opinion about community problems, particularly race relations and defacto school segregation, in the inner city areas of Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, and Waterbury, Connecticut. In the second part these four communities and Stamford are examined as systems of organized power and authority, with a focus on community leadership. A study of the effect of defacto school segregation on the intellectual and emotional development of sixth- and twelfth-grade students in schools in these five communities is reported in the third part. And the fourth part and an appendix present statistical data and other information on changes in the racial composition of public schools in these communities. (EF)